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Metal candle making molds are just one of many different types of candle making molds that you can use. There are also glass, plastic and silicone molds to name just a few of the more popular molds. They all have their advantages and drawbacks, but the focus of this article is to look at the pros and cons of metal candle making molds.
Candle molds come in tin (tin plate) and/or aluminum.
Metal candle molds are probably the most expensive of all the types of candle molds.
Metal candle molds offer the most variety in sizes and shapes. Practically any shape or size that you can think of there is a metal candle mold for it.
Molds can be seamless or not. The seam would be the weld that holds the mold together. If there is no seam, there will be no counter part seam on the candle.
Metal candle making molds can last a long time. You just need to keep them clean and free of dents and nicks. Any dent or nick in the can will show in your candle.
Cleaning any excess wax out of your mold is essential in making good candles. After cleaning the mold, thoroughly dry and store it upside down so all water is gone. A little remnant water could cause rust in some types of metal molds. You can also spray a clean dried mold with a light silicone spray to keep from rusting.
To clean a mold you can purchase special cleaners or simply stick your metal mold, upside down, in your oven. (First place it on an aluminum foil covered cookie sheet) Turn you oven on to a low temperature and melt the wax off your molds.
A finished candle should release from a nice smooth metal wall, but, it is good to spray the inside of a metal candle mold with a release agent before using it. The base of some metal molds is removable so sliding the candle out is easier.
A metal mold can be placed in a freezer to help release the candle from the mold.
Remember, if the candle does not want to release to poke at it. You'll ruin the candle AND the mold
A metal mold can also be placed in a water bath while the wax cools. This gives the surface a shiny or glossy finish.
Be careful - the edges of a metal mold can be sharp and cause cuts on your fingers.
Most reputable metal candle mold suppliers will also include wicks, wick bars, screws, wick sealer and/or instructions with their candle molds. Metal molds will usually have a metal base with a hole in its middle. This hole is where the wick is threaded through. After threading the wick through the hole up to the top of the mold, you usually place a screw in the bottom base hole to hold the wick. Then some wick sealant is applied around the screw so the wax doesn't leak out.
As you can see, metal candle making molds offer many benefits in their use. They are good for beginners to learn with. Better yet, if you are a complete newbie in candle making, find some metal things around your house and try making candles from them. You can use tuna fish or soup cans or even some small muffin pans or tins. Use you imagination and your options will be many.
Carol Short is a candle making enthusiast who enjoys candle making, talking about candle making and teaching candle making. Her new ebook " Secrets To Scentsational Candle Making " shows you everything you need to know to make candles.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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